High School Counsellors: what you need to know

What is Sciences Po?

Sciences Po draws its name from the French, “Sciences Politiques”. The university was founded in 1872 and offers coursework in social sciences - economics, history, law, political science and sociology - with a strong focus on international relations in public and private arenas. Each year, Sciences Po welcomes 15,000 students. 50% of its student body is international, representing 150 nationalities.

Where is Sciences Po?

The university comprises of seven multicultural campuses throughout France for undergraduate studies. All graduate programmes are offered on the university’s central-Paris campus. Every degree includes significant international study, meaning coursework for Sciences Po is completed in over 70 different countries.

A world-class university

As a research university, Sciences Po is focused on excellence, and sets the highest standards for faculty and students. Sciences Po is ranked 2nd worldwide in the 2024 QS rankings for Politics and International Studies. The university’s multicultural research and academic community is enriched by a worldwide network of over 480 institutional partners and dual degree options for the Bachelor, Master and PhD. 

Sciences Po has an influential community of 65,000 alumni worldwide, and a network of large corporations, international organizations, governments, foundations and the media.

Education at a glance

The educational programme at the Sciences Po Undergraduate College includes a common core of social sciences courses - law, economics, history, political science, humanities and sociology -, a major - Economy & Society, Political Humanities or Politics & Government - as well as specialised courses according to specific regional focuses. Depending on degree choices, it is possible to complete studies entirely in English or in French. 

A Bachelor Degree

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in the social sciences and humanities is rooted in three core principles: academic rigour, internationalisation, and civic engagement. More information on the Bachelor of Arts.

A global network of Dual Degrees

Sciences Po offers dual bachelor’s degrees with nine prominent universities - Columbia University, Freie Universität Berlin, Keio University, National University of Singapore, University of British Columbia, University of California Berkeley, University College London, University of Hong Kong and the University of Sydney. These four-year programmes offer a global undergraduate education and allow students to obtain two degrees from two highly renowned international universities 

Graduate studies with societal impact

Nearly all students continue on to graduate study after completing their Bachelor at Sciences Po. Graduates of the Sciences Po College are offered direct admission to Sciences Po’s seven graduate schools which deliver 40 Master's degrees and five PhD programmes. Common fields of graduate study include communications, economics, finance, journalism, international affairs, law, public affairs, organisational behaviour and human resources. 

Jobs and life after Sciences Po 

80 percent of our graduates are hired within six months of graduation and 39 percent start their career abroad. Most Sciences Po students go on to work in one of the following fields:

• Audit/Consulting
• Economics & Finance
• Entrepreneurship
• Human Resources & Employee Relations 
• International Cooperation & Development 
• Law
• Marketing & Communication 
• Press, Media & Publishing 
• Public Administration & Politics 
• Research & Think Tanks 
• Strategy/Development 
• Urban Affairs

International Admissions

International admissions are open on a rolling basis from November to end of April. Applicants from foreign secondary schools must submit an application online and attach the required documents (a CV, official transcripts from the last three years of secondary school, two academic references, midterm/predicted grades, an ID). They will be invited to outline their motivation and project from Sciences Po, as well as write an essay. Short-listed applicants are invited for a remote interview with representatives of Sciences Po's academic faculty and administration. 

More information here. 

A student-centred university

The university provides students with an array of resources dedicated to accessibility, course registration, housing and personal health to help them concentrate on their studies. More information on student services and daily life.

Culture, sports and associations

Meaningful engagement is paramount to Sciences Po. More than 200 associations help students in their personal growth through arts, athletics and, most importantly, civic action. More on culture, sports and associations.

Welcome information for new students

If one of your students just received an admissions offer, the students website provides information to answer any question students may have as they prepare to start their academic career or make their final acceptance decision. 

An affordable education

Sciences Po is a pioneer in the promotion of diversity and equal opportunity, and offers a range of financial aid options for students of all backgrounds. The French government supports students with affordable housing, stipends and regular student reductions all available. 

More on tuition fees and financial aid.

For more information

• Undergraduate programmes website